U.S. patent application number 13/651972 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-14 for apparatus and methods for internal surgical procedures.
This patent application is currently assigned to MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH. The applicant listed for this patent is MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATIO. Invention is credited to Jose G. DE LA MORA LEVY, Christopher J. Gostout.
Application Number | 20130041383 13/651972 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37397319 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130041383 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DE LA MORA LEVY; Jose G. ;
et al. |
February 14, 2013 |
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INTERNAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for internal surgical procedures are
disclosed. The apparatus and methods may involve supporting
internal body locations, creating submucosal separations (blebs),
and/or for resecting mucosal tissue separated from underlying
tissue by a bleb.
Inventors: |
DE LA MORA LEVY; Jose G.;
(Rochester, MN) ; Gostout; Christopher J.;
(Rochester, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATIO; |
Rochester |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
Rochester
MN
|
Family ID: |
37397319 |
Appl. No.: |
13/651972 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11920220 |
Apr 25, 2008 |
8287535 |
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PCT/US2006/018322 |
May 11, 2006 |
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13651972 |
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60679760 |
May 11, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/114 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/07214
20130101; A61B 1/018 20130101; A61B 2017/07271 20130101; A61B
17/32056 20130101; A61B 2017/00986 20130101; A61B 2018/141
20130101; A61B 2090/0815 20160201; A61B 2017/2212 20130101; A61B
2017/00323 20130101; A61B 2017/2929 20130101; A61B 2018/1495
20130101; A61B 2017/00318 20130101; A61B 2017/320044 20130101; A61B
18/1445 20130101; A61B 17/072 20130101; A61B 2017/00867 20130101;
A61B 2017/00269 20130101; A61B 17/0218 20130101; A61B 2017/22082
20130101; A61B 2017/00296 20130101; A61B 17/0644 20130101; A61B
2090/08021 20160201; A61B 17/320016 20130101; A61B 18/1492
20130101; A61B 17/221 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/114 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/3205 20060101
A61B017/3205 |
Claims
1. A tissue control device for use in internal surgical procedures,
the device comprising: a delivery sheath comprising a lumen that
comprises an opening at a distal end of the delivery sheath,
wherein the delivery sheath defines a longitudinal axis extending
between its distal end and a proximal end; and a cage located
within the lumen of the delivery sheath, the cage comprising a
plurality of struts extending from a proximal retainer to a distal
retainer, wherein the cage is movable within the lumen such that
the cage can be advanced distally out of the distal opening of the
lumen; and wherein the cage comprises a restrained configuration
when located within the lumen and an expanded configuration when
advanced distally out of the lumen, wherein in the expanded
configuration the struts move radially outward from the
longitudinal axis.
2-110. (canceled)
111. A device according to claim 1, wherein the proximal retainer
is operatively connected to an actuator located proximate the
proximal end of the delivery sheath, the actuator being movable to
advance or retract the cage within the lumen.
112. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device further
comprises tissue resection apparatus movable longitudinally within
the delivery sheath, wherein the tissue resection apparatus can be
advanced into the cage when the cage is in the expanded
configuration.
113. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device further
comprises imaging apparatus movable longitudinally within the
delivery sheath, wherein the imaging apparatus can be advanced into
the cage when the cage is in the expanded configuration.
114. A tissue control device for use in internal surgical
procedures, the device comprising: a delivery sheath comprising a
lumen that comprises an opening at a distal end of the delivery
sheath, wherein the delivery sheath defines a longitudinal axis
extending between its distal end and a proximal end; and a cage
located within the lumen of the delivery sheath, the cage
comprising a plurality of struts extending in a distal direction
from a proximal retainer, wherein the cage is movable within the
lumen such that the cage can be advanced distally out of the distal
opening of the lumen; and wherein the cage comprises a restrained
configuration when located within the lumen and an expanded
configuration when advanced distally out of the lumen, wherein in
the expanded configuration the struts move radially outward from
the longitudinal axis.
115. A device according to claim 114, wherein the proximal retainer
is operatively connected to an actuator located proximate the
proximal end of the delivery sheath, the actuator being movable to
advance or retract the cage within the lumen.
116. A device according to claim 114, wherein the device further
comprises tissue resection apparatus movable longitudinally within
the delivery sheath, wherein the tissue resection apparatus can be
advanced into the cage when the cage is in the expanded
configuration.
117. A device according to claim 114, wherein the device further
comprises imaging apparatus movable longitudinally within the
delivery sheath, wherein the imaging apparatus can be advanced into
the cage when the cage is in the expanded configuration.
118. A method of propping open an internal body location, the
method comprising: advancing a distal end of a delivery sheath to
an internal body location, wherein the delivery sheath comprises
lumen; moving a cage out of the lumen at the distal end of the
delivery sheath, wherein the cage comprises a plurality of struts
extending from a proximal retainer, wherein the cage moves from a
restrained configuration when located within the lumen to an
expanded configuration as it is advanced distally out of the lumen;
and moving tissue radially outward from the longitudinal axis with
the plurality of struts when the cage moves from the restrained
configuration to the expanded configuration.
119. A method according to claim 118, the method further comprising
retracting the cage proximally into the lumen after advancing the
cage distally out of the lumen.
120. A method according to claim 118, the method further comprising
adjusting the size of the cage by retracting the cage proximally
into the lumen after advancing the cage distally out of the
lumen.
121. A method according to claim 118, wherein the struts expand
generally equally in all direction around the longitudinal
axis.
122. A method according to claim 118, wherein the method further
comprises advancing tissue resection apparatus into the cage when
the cage is in the expanded configuration.
123. A method according to claim 122, wherein the method further
comprises advancing imaging apparatus into the cage when the tissue
resection apparatus is in the cage.
124. A method according to claim 118, wherein the method further
comprises advancing imaging apparatus into the cage when the cage
is in the expanded configuration.
125. A method according to claim 124, wherein the method further
comprises advancing tissue resection apparatus into the cage when
the imaging apparatus is in the cage.
126. A method according to claim 118, wherein the cage comprises a
distal retainer to which distal ends of the struts are connected,
and wherein the method comprises advancing the distal retainer out
of the lumen of the delivery sheath.
127. A method according to claim 118, wherein the internal body
location comprises a submucosal space.
128. A method according to claim 118, wherein the cage maintains
the submucosal space in the absence of a fluid used to create the
submucosal space.
129. A method according to claim 118, wherein the internal body
location comprises a body lumen.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/679,760
filed May 11, 2005 and titled APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INTERNAL
SURGICAL PROCEDURES, which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
[0002] The present invention relates to internal surgical devices
and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to
devices that may beneficially be used in conjunction with, e.g.,
mucosectomy procedures.
[0003] A variety of lesions such as superficial tumors, polyps,
internal hemorrhoids, etc. may be difficult to remove from internal
body locations because they have a relatively low profile with
respect to surrounding tissue. The injection of liquids into the
submucosa may be performed to facilitate surgical procedures such
as, e.g., endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), polypectomies in the
gastrointestinal tract. The injected liquid may advantageously form
a submucosal cushion beneath the tissue to be resected. Examples of
liquids used to form the submucosal liquid cushion may include,
e.g., saline solutions, sodium hyaluronate, glycerol solutions,
methylcellulose solutions (such as those described in, e.g., U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0225460, titled
COMPOSITIONS FOR GENERATING SUBMUCOSAL FLUID CUSHIONS, published
Dec. 4, 2003), etc.
[0004] In the absence of a submucosal liquid cushion, it may be
difficult for the practitioner to resect large sessile polyps and
other lesions without injuring the underlying muscularis propria.
By raising the lesion with a submucosal liquid cushion, the lesion
may be isolated from the surrounding tissue and the underlying
muscularis propria may be better protected from injury during
resection of the lesion.
[0005] After the submucosal liquid cushion is formed, resection may
be performed using a snare looped around the base of the submucosal
liquid cushion. Examples of snare resection devices are described
in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,542,948 (Weaver et al.) and 6,210,416 B1
(Chu et al.). Resection using the snare devices is typically
augmented by electrosurgical energy to enhance cutting and, in some
instances, to reduce bleeding.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides apparatus and methods for
internal surgical procedures. For example, the present invention
may involve supporting internal body locations, creating submucosal
separations (blebs), and/or for resecting mucosal tissue separated
from underlying tissue by a bleb.
[0007] The apparatus, devices and methods of the present invention
may find use in any suitable location within the body in which
tissue is to be resected, including, e.g., the colon (to resect
polyps or other tissue--with access through, e.g., the rectum),
bladder (to resect bladder cancers--access through, e.g., the
urethra), etc. In addition, the apparatus, devices and methods of
the present invention may also be used to obtain deep muscle
biopsies (to, e.g., diagnose neurologic disorders such as
Parkinson's Disease, gastric motility disorders, etc.). In another
potential application, the apparatus, devices and methods of the
present invention may be used in transgastric surgical procedures
in which instruments are delivered through an endoscope into the
stomach. The instruments may then be advanced into the peritoneal
cavity through, e.g., the stomach wall where selected surgical
procedures could be performed. The apparatus, devices, and methods
of the present invention may also be used for purposes not
explicitly identified herein.
[0008] Among the internal surgical apparatus of the present
invention, some apparatus that may be used to assist in tissue
resection are depicted in FIGS. 55-57. The depicted apparatus may
be used to prop open a variety of internal body locations, such as,
e.g., body lumens (colon, gastro-intestinal, blood vessels, urinary
tract, etc.). In connection with blebs, the apparatus of FIGS.
55-57 may be used to maintain the submucosal space in the absence
of, e.g., the gas, liquid, or other material used to create the
submucosal space. Various other devices may potentially be advanced
into the space defined by the cage, such as, e.g., imaging devices,
tissue resection devices, etc.
[0009] The apparatus and methods for creating blebs may preferably
involve the delivery of gas submucosally to separate tissue and
create a gas-filled submucosal space. The gas may preferably be
delivered at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. Using
pressurized gas to create gas-filled blebs may provide a number of
advantages over blebs formed using liquids. It has been observed
that blebs created with pressurized gas may be higher, i.e., the
gas-filled submucosal space may potentially be higher when measure
normal to the plane of the underlying tissue. It has also been
observed that tissue separation within the space of a gas-filled
bleb may potentially be more pronounced than within a liquid-filled
bleb.
[0010] Another potential advantage of a gas-filled bleb is that use
of an electrosurgical cutting apparatus designed for "inside-out"
resection may be more effective when used in connection with a
gas-filled bleb. As described herein, some resection devices of the
present invention may be effective when used to perform
"inside-out" resection of tissue. Unlike conventional mucosal
tissue resection in which a cutting instrument is used to cut
tissue from the outside of a bleb towards the submucosal space
within the bleb, methods of the present invention may preferably
involve piercing the tissue of a bleb with a resection device and
advancing at least a portion of the resection into the submucosal
space. After the resection device (or a portion thereof) is located
within the submucosal space, the tissue raised within the bleb can
be cut from the inside of the submucosal space outwardly. By
directing a cutting action outwardly from within the bleb, cutting
and/or perforation of the tissue underlying the bleb may be much
less likely to occur.
[0011] Among the gases that may be used to form gas-filled blebs,
it may be preferred that the gas used be carbon dioxide. Potential
advantages of carbon dioxide may potentially include, e.g., that
carbon dioxide is readily absorbed by tissue and is unlikely to
cause embolisms. In addition, carbon dioxide is not flammable and
is readily available. More particularly, it may be preferred that
the gas used consist essentially of carbon dioxide. It should be
understood that small amounts of liquid, such as water, saline,
etc., may be entrained within the carbon dioxide so long as the
fluid delivered to form a gas-filled bleb is predominantly in the
gas phase.
[0012] In still other embodiments of the present invention, it may
be preferred to form a resection barrier of solid materials within
the submucosal space of a bleb. By providing a solid resection
barrier, conventional cutting instruments such as blades, etc. may
be used to remove tissue with a significantly reduced risk of
perforating the underlying tissue wall. The resection barrier may
be made of a variety of materials including paraffin, curable
materials (e.g., cyanoacrylate adhesives), foams, gels, etc. It may
be preferred to use paraffin which can be heated to its liquid
state and injected into the submucosal space of the bleb, where it
cools and hardens to form a resection barrier.
[0013] In some embodiments, the resection apparatus may preferably
include a resection frame located at the distal end of an elongated
body. The resection frame preferably supports a cutting instrument
that is capable of resecting tissue that extends through a
resection opening defined by the resection frame. In some
embodiments, the apparatus may preferably include staples and a
stapling anvil such that refraction of the resection frame results
in both resection of selected tissue and the placement of staples
into the remaining tissue to close the edges surrounding the
resected tissue.
[0014] The cutting instrument is preferably located between the two
spaced-apart rails of the resection frame. When the resection frame
is in an extended position with respect to the elongated body, the
cutting instrument may preferably be displaced from the distal end
of the elongated body. Movement of the resection frame to its
extended position may be described as movement in the distal
direction with respect to the elongated body. Movement of the
resection frame to a retracted position preferably moves the
cutting instrument towards the distal end of the elongated body or
otherwise closes the resection opening. In some embodiments, such
movement of the cutting instrument may be described as moving the
cutting instrument in the proximal direction with respect to the
elongated body.
[0015] When the resection frame is in the extended position, a
resection opening may preferably be defined by the two spaced apart
rails and the cutting instrument when the resection frame is in the
extended position, wherein the size of the resection opening
decreases and wherein tissue extending through the resection
opening is severed by the cutting instrument when the resection
frame is moved into the retracted position from the extended
position.
[0016] It may be preferred that the resection frame include a pair
of rails spaced apart from each other. The rails may preferably be
rigid members that resist twisting and bending and that also
exhibit significant strength in compression along their length as
opposed to wires or cables used in snare-type resection devices
that exhibit significant strength only in tension and provide only
minimal resistance to bending and twisting.
[0017] The cutting instrument and the spaced apart rails may
preferably define a U-shaped resection opening, wherein the
U-shaped opening is preferably closed by the distal end of the
elongated body. It may, for example, be preferred that the rails be
straight and generally parallel to each other.
[0018] In some embodiments of the invention, the elongated body may
include a fluid delivery lumen extending to the distal end of the
elongated body, with a needle attached to the fluid delivery lumen
at the distal end of the elongated body. It may be preferred that
the needle be movable between an injection position in which the
needle extends from the distal end of the elongated body and a
sheathed position in which the needle is located within the
elongated body.
[0019] An apparatus of the present invention that includes a fluid
delivery lumen and needle may further preferably include a fluid
source connected to the fluid delivery lumen. The fluid source may
provide a fluid as needed to form submucosal fluid cushions in
accordance with the preset invention. The fluid provided by the
fluid source may be a liquid as is conventionally known.
Alternatively, the fluid sources of the present invention may
provide a gas to form the submucosal fluid cushion in accordance
with the present invention. The gas may be, e.g., carbon
dioxide.
[0020] The use of a resection frame as discussed in connection with
the present invention may be advantageous in connection with a gas
delivery system for forming blebs. For example, the resection frame
may be extended and placed around the tissue to be resected. When
in position, the resection frame can be used to apply pressure
about the perimeter of the location at which a bleb is to be
formed. The pressure provided by the resection frame may serve to
restrict the size of the bleb by reducing the likelihood that the
gas will separate tissue under the frame.
[0021] Other resection devices may also be provided in connection
with the present invention. Those resection devices may be adapted
for use in "inside-out" resection procedures as described herein.
Some exemplary embodiments of such devices are described in
connection with FIGS. 11-57 herein.
[0022] In one aspect, the present invention provides a tissue
control device that includes a delivery sheath with a lumen that
includes an opening at a distal end of the delivery sheath, wherein
the delivery sheath defines a longitudinal axis extending between
its distal end and a proximal end; and a cage located within the
lumen of the delivery sheath, the cage having a plurality of struts
extending from a proximal retainer to a distal retainer, wherein
the cage is movable within the lumen such that the cage can be
advanced distally out of the distal opening of the lumen. The cage
has a restrained configuration when located within the lumen and an
expanded configuration when advanced distally out of the lumen,
wherein in the expanded configuration the struts move radially
outward from the longitudinal axis.
[0023] In another aspect, the present invention provides a tissue
control device for use in internal surgical procedures, the device
including a delivery sheath having a lumen that comprises an
opening at a distal end of the delivery sheath, wherein the
delivery sheath defines a longitudinal axis extending between its
distal end and a proximal end; and a cage located within the lumen
of the delivery sheath, the cage including a plurality of struts
extending in a distal direction from a proximal retainer, wherein
the cage is movable within the lumen such that the cage can be
advanced distally out of the distal opening of the lumen; wherein
the cage has a restrained configuration when located within the
lumen and an expanded configuration when advanced distally out of
the lumen, wherein in the expanded configuration the struts move
radially outward from the longitudinal axis.
[0024] In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of
using the tissue control devices described in the preceding
paragraphs by advancing the distal end of the delivery sheath to an
internal body location before deploying the cage from the delivery
sheath. The plurality of struts preferably move radially outward
from the longitudinal axis as the cage is deployed.
[0025] In another aspect, the present invention provides an
endoscopic resection apparatus including an elongated body with a
proximal end and a distal end; a resection frame located proximate
the distal end of the elongated body, the resection frame including
two spaced apart rails, wherein the resection frame has an extended
position and a retracted position; a cutting instrument located
between the two spaced apart rails of the resection frame, wherein
the cutting instrument is displaced from the distal end of the
elongated body when the resection frame is in the extended
position, and wherein movement of the resection frame to the
retracted position moves the cutting instrument towards the distal
end of the elongated body; and a resection opening defined by the
two spaced apart rails and the cutting instrument when the
resection frame is in the extended position, wherein the size of
the resection opening decreases and wherein tissue extending
through the resection opening is severed by the cutting instrument
when the resection frame is moved into the retracted position from
the extended position.
[0026] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method
of separating mucosal tissue at a selected location by identifying
a selected site in the mucosal tissue of a subject; locating a
distal end of a gas delivery lumen submucosally at the selected
site; delivering a gas into the mucosal tissue at the selected site
through the distal end of the gas delivery lumen, wherein the gas
is delivered at a gas pressure greater than the ambient atmospheric
pressure, wherein the gas separates the mucosal tissue to create a
gas-filled submucosal space.
[0027] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method
of separating mucosal tissue at a selected location by delivering
gas into mucosal tissue at a selected site, wherein the gas is
delivered at a gas pressure greater than the ambient atmospheric
pressure, and wherein the gas separates the mucosal tissue to
create a gas-filled submucosal space; and forming a submucosal
barrier in the submucosal space by injecting a barrier precursor
into the gas-filled submucosal space, wherein the barrier precursor
hardens in the submucosal space to form the submucosal barrier.
[0028] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method
of resecting tissue at a selected location by identifying a
selected site in the mucosal tissue of a subject; locating a distal
end of a fluid delivery lumen submucosally at the selected site;
delivering a fluid into the mucosal tissue at the selected site
through the distal end of the fluid delivery lumen, wherein the
fluid is delivered at a pressure greater than the ambient
atmospheric pressure, and wherein a submucosal fluid cushion forms
at the selected site; locating a resection device proximate the
submucosal fluid cushion, wherein the resection frame is in the
extended position, and wherein the submucosal fluid cushion extends
through the resection opening; and moving the resection device into
the retracted position, wherein the cutting instrument severs
tissue raised above the submucosal fluid cushion.
[0029] In another aspect, the present invention provides a
submucosal barrier kit including paraffin; a heating device adapted
to heat the paraffin; and a delivery device adapted to deliver
heated paraffin to a submucosal location.
[0030] In another aspect, the present invention provides a mucosal
tissue separation kit including a pressurized gas source; and a
sterile gas delivery device having a lumen, a tissue-piercing
distal end, and a proximal end adapted to receive gas from the
pressurized gas source, wherein the lumen extends from the proximal
end of the gas delivery device to the distal end of the gas
delivery device. Such kits may be supplemented by, e.g., a
submucosal barrier precursor and a delivery device adapted to
deliver the submucosal barrier precursor to a submucosal location.
In other embodiments, the kit may be supplemented by, e.g.,
paraffin; a heating device adapted to heat the paraffin; and a
delivery device adapted to deliver heated paraffin to a submucosal
location.
[0031] In another aspect, the present invention provides a tissue
resection device that includes an outer sheath with a distal end,
and an outer sheath lumen opening at the distal end and an outer
sheath proximal end; an inner sheath adapted to move within the
outer sheath lumen, wherein the inner sheath includes a distal end
and an inner sheath lumen opening at the distal end of the inner
sheath; a core movable within the inner sheath lumen, wherein the
core has a distal end; a first resection wire having a distal end
attached to the distal end of the core and a proximal end attached
to the inner sheath, wherein movement of the distal end of the core
towards the distal end of the inner sheath causes a portion of the
first resection wire to move radially away from the core; and
electrical conductors operably connected to the resection wire,
wherein electrical energy can be delivered from the proximal end of
the outer sheath to the resection wire.
[0032] In another aspect, the present invention provides a tissue
resection device that includes an elongated body with a distal end
and a proximal end; a cutting head attached to the distal end of
the elongated body, wherein the cutting head includes a cutting fin
having a retracted position wherein the cutting fin is located
within the body and an extended position wherein the cutting fin
extends from the cutting head; wherein the cutting fin cuts tissue
when drawing the elongated body and the cutting head in the
proximal direction when the cutting fin is in the extended
position.
[0033] In another aspect, the present invention provides a tissue
resection device that includes an elongated body with a distal end
and a proximal end; a hinged resection apparatus operably to the
distal end of the elongated body, wherein the hinged resection
apparatus includes first and second jaws, wherein at least one jaw
of the first and second jaws is capable of rotating such that the
first and second jaws have an open position in which tissue can be
located between the first and second jaws and a closed position in
which inner surfaces of the first and second jaws contact tissue
located between the first and second jaws; at least one
electrosurgical cutting member located on an inner surface of one
or both of the first and second jaws, wherein tissue located
between the first and second jaws can be cut by the cutting member;
and wherein at least one of the first and second jaws includes a
tissue piercing jaw, wherein the tissue piercing jaw is capable of
piercing tissue when the tissue piercing jaw is advanced
distally.
[0034] In another aspect, the present invention provides a tissue
resection device that includes an elongated body having a distal
end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end includes a first
side and a second side located opposite from the first side; a pair
of resection wires extending from the distal end of the elongated
body, wherein each of the resection wires has a proximal end
attached to the first side of the distal end of the elongated body,
and wherein each of the resection wires has a distal end, wherein
the distal ends of the resection wires are attached to each other
proximate the second side of the distal end of the elongated
body.
[0035] In another aspect, the present invention provides a tissue
resection apparatus that includes a tubular body with a channel
that opens at a distal end of the tubular body; a spreader sheath
with a distal end and a proximal end, a longitudinal axis extending
between the distal end and the proximal end of the sheath, wherein
the spreader sheath is located within the channel of the tubular
body and wherein the spreader sheath is axially movable distally
and proximally within the channel of the tubular body; and first
and second spreader arms proximate the distal end of the spreader
sheath, the first spreader arm and the second spreader arm movable
between a closed position in which the first spreader arm and the
second spreader arm are aligned with the longitudinal axis and an
open position in which the first spreader arm and the second
spreader arm each form an angle of at least 15 degrees with the
longitudinal axis; wherein the first spreader arm and the second
spreader arm are in the closed position when the first spreader arm
and the second spreader arm are located within the channel of the
tubular body; and wherein the first spreader arm and the second
spreader arm move into the open position as the first spreader arm
and the second spreader arm are advanced distally out of the
channel of the tubular body.
[0036] In another aspect, the present invention provides a tissue
resection device that includes a sheath with a proximal end, a
distal end, and a lumen that opens at the distal end of the sheath;
and a snare located within the lumen, the snare being axially
movable distally and proximally within the lumen, wherein the snare
can be advanced distally out of the opening of the lumen; wherein
the sheath has an angled tip proximate the distal end of the
sheath, the angled tip including a section of the sheath that is
oriented off-axis from a longitudinal axis defined by the sheath
from its proximal end up to the section of the angled tip.
[0037] In another aspect, the present invention provides a tissue
resection device that includes a sheath with a proximal end and a
distal end; a lumen formed in the sheath, wherein the lumen
includes a distal opening in a side of the sheath at a location
proximal to the distal end of the sheath; and a snare located
within the lumen, the snare being axially movable distally and
proximally within the lumen, wherein the snare can be advanced
distally out of the distal opening of the lumen.
[0038] In another aspect, the present invention provides a tissue
resection device that includes a sheath with a proximal end, a
distal end, and a lumen that includes an opening at the distal end
of the sheath; a snare located within the lumen, the snare being
axially movable distally and proximally within the lumen, wherein
the snare can be advanced distally out of the opening of the lumen,
wherein the snare includes a pair of wires terminating in a loop
proximate the distal end of the sheath, and wherein the wires have
rectangular cross-sectional profiles; and a plunger located
proximate the proximal end of the sheath, wherein the plunger
traverses the lumen in the sheath, and wherein the plunger is
located between the pair of wires, the plunger including ribs
cooperating with the wires, such that movement of the plunger
transverse to a longitudinal axis of the sheath rotates the wires
about their respective longitudinal axes, and wherein rotation of
the wires causes the snare to curve off of the longitudinal axis of
the sheath.
[0039] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method
of providing a tissue resection barrier. The method includes
inserting a barrier sheet into a submucosal space of a bleb and
deploying the barrier sheet within the submucosal space, wherein
the barrier sheet is located between submucosal tissue below the
submucosal space and mucosal tissue above the submucosal space.
[0040] In another aspect, the present invention provides a barrier
sheet deployment apparatus that includes a delivery sheath with a
lumen that includes an opening at a distal end of the delivery
sheath; and a barrier sheet located within the lumen of the
delivery sheath, the barrier sheet having one or more coils while
in the lumen.
[0041] These and other potential features and advantages of the
present invention may be described below in connection with various
exemplary embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FIGURES
[0042] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view depicting initiation of
submucosal fluid cushion formation in accordance with the present
invention.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view depicting formation
of a submucosal fluid cushion in accordance with the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the distal end of one
elongated body that may be used in connection with the present
invention.
[0045] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the elongated body of FIG. 3
with a resection frame in the extended position relative to the
distal end of the elongated body.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the resection
apparatus in position with a submucosal fluid cushion extending
through the resection opening.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the resection
apparatus of FIG. 5 with the resection frame in the retracted
position such that the tissue can be resected to remove the lesion
located above the submucosal fluid cushion.
[0048] FIG. 7 depicts a stapling apparatus that may be used in
connection with the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
stapling apparatus taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.
[0050] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one exemplary staple
cartridge that may be used in connection with the present
invention.
[0051] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the staple
cartridge of FIG. 9.
[0052] FIG. 11 is a partial cut-away side elevational view of one
resection device according to the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 12 is a side elevation of the device of FIG. 11 with
the inner sheath and core extended.
[0054] FIG. 13 is a side elevation of the device of FIGS. 11 &
12, with the core partially retracted.
[0055] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a device according to FIGS.
11-13, wherein the device includes two resection wires.
[0056] FIG. 15 is an axial view taken from the distal end
proximally of the device of FIG. 14.
[0057] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device of FIGS. 14
& 15 within a bleb.
[0058] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of a portion of another
resection device according to the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the resection device of
FIG. 17 with the cutting member retracted.
[0060] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the resection device of
FIG. 17 with the cutting member extended (as in FIG. 17).
[0061] FIGS. 20-23 are perspective views of one exemplary method of
using the resection device of FIG. 17.
[0062] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a portion of another
exemplary resection device with jaws in the open position.
[0063] FIG. 25 is a side elevational view another exemplary
resection device with one rotatable jaw in the open position.
[0064] FIGS. 26-29 are perspective views of one exemplary method of
using the resection device of FIG. 25.
[0065] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another exemplary
embodiment of a resection device according to the present
invention.
[0066] FIGS. 31-33 are side elevational views of one exemplary
method of using the resection device of FIG. 30.
[0067] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of one exemplary device
for delivering heated paraffin into submucosal space according to
the present invention.
[0068] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of one stick of paraffin that
may be used in connection with the device of FIG. 34.
[0069] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of another resection apparatus
according to the present invention.
[0070] FIGS. 37-40 depict various stages in the deployment of the
resection apparatus of FIG. 36.
[0071] FIG. 41 depicts one method of use of the resection apparatus
of FIG. 36.
[0072] FIGS. 42 & 43 depict another resection device with an
angled tip.
[0073] FIGS. 44-46 depict one method of using the resection device
of FIGS. 42 & 43.
[0074] FIG. 47 depicts another resection device.
[0075] FIGS. 48A-48C depict another resection device in various
configurations.
[0076] FIGS. 49A-49C depict cross-sectional views of the wires
leading to the snare in the device of FIGS. 48A-48C.
[0077] FIGS. 50A-50C depict one mechanism that may be used to
manipulate the wires in the resection device of FIGS. 48A-48C.
[0078] FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of a bleb with a barrier
sheet located therein.
[0079] FIG. 52 is a partial cross-sectional view of an apparatus
that may be used to deliver a barrier sheet.
[0080] FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.
52 taken along line 53-53 in FIG. 52.
[0081] FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative barrier
sheet within the lumen of a delivery sheath.
[0082] FIG. 55 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of an
expandable cage delivery apparatus.
[0083] FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.
55 taken along line 56-56 in FIG. 55.
[0084] FIG. 57 is a view of an alternative expandable cage
device.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0085] In the following detailed description of some exemplary
embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying
figures which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of
illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the present invention.
[0086] The present invention may, in various embodiments, include
three basic components, an injection apparatus capable of creating
a submucosal fluid cushion, a resection apparatus capable of
resecting tissue raised above the submucosal fluid cushion, and a
stapling apparatus capable of stapling tissue as a part of the
tissue removal process. It may be preferred that all three
components, i.e., the injection apparatus, resection apparatus, and
stapling apparatus be combined in the same instrument as depicted
in many of the figures described below. It should, however, be
understood that different components may be provided in separate
instruments or that two of the components may be integrated into a
single instrument. Furthermore, although the apparatus may
preferably be adapted for endoscopic delivery, the apparatus of the
invention may be introduced by any suitable technique, e.g.,
surgical, etc.
[0087] One exemplary apparatus according to the present invention
is depicted in FIG. 1. The apparatus includes an elongated body 30
that has a distal end 32. The elongated body 30 may preferably be
an endoscope with a suitable number of channels formed therein to
accommodate the apparatus of the present invention.
[0088] The apparatus is depicted as positioned proximate a selected
site 14 in tissue that includes mucosa 12 and underlying muscularis
propria 10. The selected site 14 may preferably include a lesion in
the form of a tumor, polyp, internal hemorrhoid, etc. that a
practitioner would like to resect.
[0089] The depicted elongated body 30 includes a fluid delivery
lumen 24 that extends through at least a portion of the elongated
body 30. It may be preferred that the fluid delivery lumen 24
terminate proximate the distal end 32 of the elongated body 30. It
may also be preferred that the fluid delivery lumen 24 extend
proximally towards the proximal end (not shown) of the elongated
body 30.
[0090] The apparatus depicted in FIG. 1 further includes a needle
20 that is preferably attached to the fluid delivery lumen 24
proximate the distal end 32 of the elongated body 30. The needle 20
may preferably be movable between an injection position in which
the distal end 22 of the needle 20 extends from the distal end 32
of the elongated body 30 as seen in FIG. 1. It may also be
preferred that the needle 20 be movable to a sheathed position in
which the distal end 22 of the needle 20 does not extend past the
distal end 32 of the elongated body 30, e.g., is retracted within
the elongated body 30.
[0091] FIG. 2 depicts the apparatus of FIG. 1 after insertion of
the distal end 22 of the needle 20 into the tissue proximate the
selected site 14. It may be preferred that the needle 20 deliver a
fluid into the tissue such that the mucosa 12 is separated from the
underlying muscularis propria 10 by a submucosal fluid cushion 16.
The fluid used to form the submucosal fluid cushion 16 is
preferably delivered through the needle 20, which is preferably in
fluid communication with a fluid source 28 through the fluid lumen
24 extending through the elongated body 30.
[0092] The fluid source 28 may take a variety of forms depending on
the fluids being supplied. The fluid source 28 may be pressurized
such that the fluid can be dispensed through a valve (and
preferably pressure regulator) without the need for a separate
pump. In other instances, a pumping mechanism may be provided in
combination with a reservoir that may or may not be pressurized.
The pressure at which the fluid is delivered may vary, although it
may be preferred that the pressure for gases be 20 psig (140 kPa)
or more. Pressure control may be provided by, e.g., a regulator or
other pressure control device.
[0093] The fluid used to form the submucosal fluid cushion 16 may
be liquid, gas, or combination thereof. In some instances, it may
be preferred that the fluid used to form the submucosal fluid
cushion 16 be a liquid, e.g., saline solutions, sodium hyaluronate,
glycerol solutions, methylcellulose solutions (such as those
described in, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2003/0225460, titled COMPOSITIONS FOR GENERATING SUBMUCOSAL FLUID
CUSHIONS, published Dec. 4, 2003), etc.
[0094] In other instances it may be preferred that the fluid used
to from the submucosal fluid cushion 16 be a gas, e.g., a gas
including gaseous carbon dioxide. In other instances, it may be
preferred that the fluid consist essentially of one or more gases,
e.g., consist essentially of gaseous carbon dioxide. Using a
gaseous fluid to form submucosal fluid cushions may have advantages
over submucosal fluid cushions formed using liquid fluids as
discussed herein.
[0095] The gases and/or liquids used to form submucosal spaces in
blebs may, in some instances, preferably be replaced with solid
(i.e., non-flowable) materials to form a resection barrier as
discussed herein. Examples of some potentially suitable materials
for resection barriers may be paraffin, biocompatible cyanoacrylate
adhesive compositions, etc. In still other embodiments, the
resection barrier may be provided by gel or polymer-based
structural material (e.g., foam, etc.) that, as delivered, is
uncured, but that can be expanded/cured within the submucosal
space. In some embodiments, the resection barrier may preferably be
biodegradable and/or bioresorbable such that it could slowly erode
over time.
[0096] One potentially suitable expandable material may be a
polylactic acid polymer (PLA, e.g., poly-DL-lactide, etc.) which
may be provided as a liquid when dissolved in a solvent such as NMP
(N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone), but hardens into a pliable structural
material when the NMP diffuses out of the polymer mixture. Both NMP
and the polymer PLA are generally considered to be inert and
bioresorbable for use within the human (or animal) body. Other
expandable structural materials may be known to those skilled in
the art.
[0097] In those embodiments in which a fluid is used to create a
bleb after which the fluid hardens, solidifies, cures or otherwise
becomes non-flowable, the fluid may be referred to as a barrier
precursor. In such methods, formation of the submucosal barrier may
involve injecting a barrier precursor into the gas-filled
submucosal space, wherein the barrier precursor hardens to form the
submucosal barrier. Examples of some barrier precursors described
herein may include, e.g., heated paraffin (heated, e.g., to a
temperature of 65 degrees Centigrade or higher), cyanoacrylate
compositions, uncured biocompatible foams, etc. Other barrier
precursors may include, e.g., biocompatible photo-curable materials
that can be cured upon the application of photo-radiation.
[0098] The apparatus according to the present invention may also
preferably include resection devices to resect tissue raised by
forming a submucosal fluid cushion. FIGS. 3-7 depict one exemplary
embodiment of such a resection device and its operation. The
resection device may preferably be provided within a housing
located at the distal end 32 of the elongated body 30. As seen in
FIG. 3, the housing may preferably include an opening 26 into which
the needle 20 is retracted when in its sheathed position as
discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 & 2.
[0099] The housing also preferably includes an opening 40 into
which a resection frame retracts when in its retracted position.
Turning to FIG. 4, a resection frame is depicted in an extended
position in which the frame extends from the distal end 32 of the
elongated body 30. The resection frame may preferably include two
spaced apart rails 42a and 42b (referred to collectively as rails
42 herein) and a cross-member 50 connecting the two rails 42 at a
location spaced from the distal end 32 of the elongated body
30.
[0100] Regardless of the exact construction of the resection frame,
it may be preferred that the rails 42 and the cross-member 50
define a resection opening 44 located between the cross-member 50
and the distal end 32 of the elongated body 30. It may be preferred
that the rails 42 and the cross-member 50 of the resection frame
define a U-shaped resection opening 44.
[0101] It may further be preferred that the cross-member 50 include
a cutting instrument such that movement of the resection frame to
the retracted position (seen in FIG. 3) moves the cutting
instrument on the cross-member 50 towards the distal end 32 of the
elongated body 30. As the resection frame is moved from its
extended position seen in FIG. 4 to its retracted position as seen
in FIG. 3, the size of the resection opening 44 decreases.
[0102] If selected tissue (such as tissue raised above a submucosal
fluid cushion) extends through the resection opening 44 as depicted
in FIG. 5, that tissue may be resected by the cutting instrument
located on the cross-member 50 as seen in FIG. 6 where the
resection frame is nearly completely retracted within the housing
at the distal end 32 of the elongated body 30. It may be preferred
that the selected tissue raised by the submucosal fluid cushion
include a lesion 14 that is to be removed.
[0103] The cutting instrument on the cross-member 50 may take any
suitable form, e.g., blade, wire, etc. The cutting action of any
cutting instrument may be supplemented by, e.g., electrical energy
(e.g., the cutting instrument may be an electrosurgical
device).
[0104] It may be preferred that resection frames of the present
invention be constructed with rails 42 that are rigid members. As
used herein, a rigid member is a structure that resists twisting
and bending and that also exhibits significant strength in
compression along its length as compared to wires or cables used in
snare-type resection devices (that exhibit significant strength
only in tension and provide only minimal resistance to bending and
twisting). It may further preferred that the rails 42 of resection
frames of the present invention be straight and arranged generally
parallel to each other.
[0105] FIGS. 7 & 8 depict a portion of the resection device to
further describe an additional optional feature of the present
invention. The resection frame including rails 42a and 42b and
cross-member 50 are seen FIG. 7. The depicted cross-member 50
includes a blade 52 as a cutting instrument as seen in FIG. 8.
[0106] The cross-member 50 also preferably includes anvil surfaces
54 adapted to interact with staples 60 retained proximate the
distal end 32 of the elongated body. The interaction between anvil
surfaces 54 and the staples 60 preferably results in stapling of
the tissue captured within the resection frame such that after
removal of the tissue resected by the blade 52, the edges of the
remaining tissue are held together by staples 60. The resection and
stapling actions may preferably occur substantially at the same
time as the resection frame is moved from its extended position
towards its retracted position (in the direction of arrows 48 in
FIG. 8). With the staples 60 and the stapling anvil 54 located on
opposite sides of the resection opening when the resection frame is
in the extended position, movement of the resection frame into the
retracted position as discussed herein preferably forces the
staples 60 into contact with the stapling anvil 54. The staples 60
and the stapling anvil 54 cooperate to staple tissue extending
through the resection opening when the resection frame is moved
into the retracted position from the extended position.
[0107] Although staples 60 are shown as being deformed by anvil
surfaces 54, it will be understood that in some devices according
to the present invention, the staples may be deformed by other
mechanisms, e.g. the staples may be formed of shape memory
materials (e.g. Nitinol, etc.) that deform in the absence of
physical force.
[0108] FIGS. 9 & 10 depict another optional feature that may be
incorporated into the apparatus of the present invention in the
form of a staple cartridge capable of storing multiple sets of
staples for delivery to multiple resection sites. The cartridge 70
includes staples 60 located in two channels 72 and 74. Although the
cartridge 70 includes only two channels, it should be understood
that cartridges according to the present invention may include more
than two channels of staples.
[0109] The staples 60 may preferably be arranged within each of the
channels 72 and 74 such that they are canted at an acute angle with
respect to the longitudinal axis 73 of the channel (see FIG. 10).
Each channel may also preferably include a member 76 adapted to
bias the staples 60 towards the open end of the channel. The member
76 may be biased in the direction of the staples by a resilient
member (e.g., spring, elastomeric article, etc.), hydraulic or
pneumatic pressure, ratcheting mechanism, etc.). The member 76 may
be used to advance the staples 60 toward the opening in the channel
as staples 60 are dispensed from the cartridge 70.
[0110] FIGS. 11-16 depict another resection device that may be used
in connection with the present invention. The resection device 100
may preferably be used in connection with an "inside-out" resection
procedure as described herein.
[0111] The device 100 includes an outer sheath 102, an inner sheath
104 and an core 106. The inner sheath 104 and the outer sheath 102
are movable axially (i.e., along their lengths) with respect to
each other with, e.g., the inner sheath 104 moving within a lumen
of the outer sheath 102. The core 106 is axially movable with
respect to the inner sheath 104 within a lumen in the inner sheath
104.
[0112] The device 100 also preferably includes one or more
resection wires 108 provided to cut tissue. The depicted device
includes two resection wires 108, although devices of the invention
may include only one resection wire or three or more resection
wires. The resection wires 108 are attached to the distal end 107
of the core 106. The proximal ends of the resection wires 108 are
attached to the inner sheath 104, preferably proximate the distal
end 105 of the inner sheath 104. Alternatively, the proximal ends
of the resection wires 108 may be attached to the outer sheath 102
so long as the resection wires 108 do not significantly interfere
with advancement of the outer sheath to a selected resection
site.
[0113] The resection wires 108 may preferably cut tissue with the
use of electrical energy delivered to the wires in accordance with
known electrosurgical techniques. As such, it may be preferred that
the device 100 include conductors that extend from the proximal end
of the device (not shown) to the distal end (shown). The conductors
may take the form of wires, electrical traces formed in or on the
sheaths, etc.
[0114] As seen in FIG. 11, it may be preferred that the inner
sheath 104, core 106 and resection wires 108 be retracted within
the outer sheath 102 during advancement of the device 100 to a
selected location. Once in position, the outer sheath 102 and inner
sheath 104 are preferably manipulated such that the inner sheath
104 extends out of the outer sheath 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 12).
[0115] When the core 106 is fully extended out of the inner sheath
104, the resection wires 108 are preferably in close proximity to
the core 106. As, however, the distal end 105 of the core 104 and
the distal end 107 of the core 106 are moved together, the
resection wires 108 preferably move radially outward from the core
106 as seen in FIGS. 12 & 13 because their ends are fixedly
attached to the inner sheath 104 and the core 106.
[0116] In the device 100 which includes two resection wires 108, it
may be preferred that the wires 108 be offset circumferentially
about the core 106, as is perhaps best seen in FIGS. 14 & 15.
The offset between resection wires 108 may be measured in degrees
and it may be preferred that the resection wires 108 be offset by
an angle .alpha. (alpha) of about 30 degrees or more, 45 degrees or
more, or even 90 degrees or more.
[0117] FIG. 16 depicts the device 100 deployed within the
submucosal space of a bleb. The device 100 is preferably capable of
piercing the tissue forming the bleb such that the core 106 with
resection wires 108 can be deployed within the submucosal space.
Once in position, the core 106 and inner sheath 104 are preferably
manipulated such that the resection wires 108 extend radially
outward from the core 106 to contact and cut the separated mucosal
tissue. As discussed herein, it may be preferred that electrical
energy be provided to the wires 108 to assist in the cutting.
[0118] In some embodiments, it may be preferred that the resection
wires 108 be constructed of a shape memory metal (e.g., nickel
titanium alloys, etc.) such that the shape of the resection wires
108 can be further modified based on the temperature of the wires
108. For example, if the wires 108 heat up during an
electrosurgical procedure, that temperature increase can be
advantageously used to provide additional height to the wires 108
or to cause the wires 108 to take on different selected shapes.
[0119] FIGS. 17-23 depict another resection device that may be used
in connection with the present invention. The resection device 200
may also preferably be used in connection with an "inside-out"
resection procedure as described herein.
[0120] The device 200 includes an elongated body 202 having a
distal end 203. A cutting head 210 is attached to the distal end
203 of the elongated body 202. The cutting head 210 preferably
includes a cutting member 212 that may preferably be in the form of
a fin as seen in FIG. 17. The cutting member 212 preferably
includes an edge 214 adapted to cut tissue. To assist in delivery
and selective cutting of tissue, it may be preferred that the
cutting member 212 be retractable such that the edge 214 can be
withdrawn into the cutting head during, e.g., delivery of the
device 200 to a selected location (see FIG. 18 which depicts device
200 with cutting member 212 retracted into cutting head 210). In
the depicted embodiment, the cutting member 212 preferably rotates
about pin 211 in cutting head 210.
[0121] The cutting member 212 may preferably be adapted for use as
an electrosurgical cutting device in which electrical energy is
provided to assist the cutting edge 214 in cutting tissue. It may
be preferred that conductors be operably connected to the cutting
member 212 to provide the electrical energy to the cutting member
212. The conductors preferably extend proximally along elongated
body 202 to an electrical power source.
[0122] The cutting head 210 may also preferably include a puncture
wire 216 or other piercing structure to assist the device 200 in
piercing the tissue forming a bleb. The puncture wire 216 may
preferably be a relatively thick monofilament polymer or other
structure. The puncture wire 216 (or other structure) may
preferably be retractable within the cutting head 210 to prevent
unwanted piercing of tissue as the elongated body 202 is advanced
to the selected location.
[0123] FIGS. 20-23 depict use of the device 200 in connection with
a bleb. In FIG. 20, the device 200 is advanced such that the
puncture wire 216 pierces the tissue of the bleb. The cutting
member 212 may preferably be in the retracted position within the
cutting head 210 as seen in FIG. 20.
[0124] FIG. 21 depicts the device 200 after insertion into the
bleb, with the cutting head 210 fully inserted into the submucosal
space formed within the bleb. The puncture wire 216 is depicted as
retracted back within the cutting head 210, although the puncture
wire 216 may not necessarily have to be retracted at this point in
the procedure.
[0125] FIG. 22 depicts the device 200 in which the cutting member
212 has been extended from the cutting head 210. The cutting member
212 is also depicted as having initiated a cut into the tissue of
the bleb. FIG. 23 depicts the cutting head 210 in the submucosal
space after the elongated body 202 and attached cutting head 210
with cutting member 212 have been withdrawn in the proximal
direction (i.e., moving out of the bleb through the opening formed
during insertion) such that a portion of the tissue forming the
bleb has been cut. After a desired amount of tissue has been cut,
the cutting head 210 may be repositioned within the submucosal
space for another cutting action.
[0126] FIGS. 24-29 depict another resection device that may be used
in connection with the present invention. The resection device may
also preferably be used in connection with an "inside-out"
resection procedure as described herein.
[0127] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of one resection device 300'
that includes an elongated body 302' with a cutting head at the
distal end that includes jaws 310' and 312', both of which may
preferably be hinged about an axis 311'. The jaw 310' preferably
includes a cutting member 320' on the inner surface 321' and the
jaw 312' preferably includes a cutting member 322' on its inner
surface 323'. In some devices, it may be sufficient to provide a
cutting member in only one of the jaws while the other jaw may
provide, e.g., a surface against which the opposing jaw acts during
the cutting. Furthermore, although the jaws 310' and 312' include
cutting members 320' and 322' in the form of a single blade, it
should be understood that the cutting member or members used in
connection with the present invention may take any desired form or
shape that provides the desired tissue resection.
[0128] The cutting members 320' and 322' may preferably employ
electrical energy in an electrosurgical cutting action to assist
with tissue resection as is known in the art. If electrical energy
is used in the cutting, conductors may preferably be provided to
deliver the required electrical energy to the cutting members. The
electrical conductors may preferably extend along the elongated
body from a proximal end (not shown) to the distal end.
[0129] One feature depicted in connection with resection device
300' is that both jaws 310' and 312' are hinged or otherwise
capable of rotation with respect to the elongated body 302. In a
variation on resection device 300', only one of the jaws may be
hinged for rotation. One such embodiment is depicted in FIGS.
25-29. In that embodiment, the resection device 300 includes a jaw
310 that preferably does not rotate relative to the distal end 303
of elongated body 302. The opposing jaw 312 does, however,
preferably rotate about axis 311 such that the jaws 310 and 312 can
be moved from an open position (seen in FIG. 25) to a closed
position (see in FIG. 27) in which the jaws are brought together to
cut tissue located therebetween.
[0130] It may be preferred that one or both of the jaws 310 and 312
of device 300 have a shape or structure such that the jaw or jaws
can pierce tissue, e.g., the tissue forming a bleb. In the depicted
embodiment, jaw 310 preferably includes a tip 314 distal from the
elongated body 302 that is preferably adapted to pierce tissue. In
some instances, the tissue piercing may be assisted by
electrosurgical energy and in other instances, the piercing may be
a purely mechanical action.
[0131] FIG. 26 depicts device 300 in use in which the jaw 310 of
device 300 is inserted into a bleb using the tissue piercing tip
314. The jaw 312 is preferably rotated away from jaw 310 such that
the jaws are in the open position. As the device 300 is advanced
distally, more of the jaw 310 is inserted into the submucosal space
of the bleb.
[0132] FIG. 27 depicts the jaws 310 and 312 of the device 300 in
the closed position such that tissue located between the inner
surfaces of the jaws 310 and 312 can be cut. FIG. 28 depicts the
bleb with an incision formed therein after removal of the device
300. FIG. 29 depicts the device 300 repositioned relative to the
bleb to, e.g., cut the other side of the bleb to assist in removal
of the tissue raised within the bleb.
[0133] FIGS. 30-33 depict another resection device that may be used
in connection with the present invention. The device 400 includes
an elongated body 402 and a cap 410 attached to the distal end 403
of the elongated body 402. The cap 410 may preferably be in the
form of a scoop with two edges that include cutting members 412.
The cutting members 412 may preferably include proximal ends
attached to one side of the distal end 403 of the elongated body
402. The cutting members 412 also preferably include distal ends
attached to the cap 410, wherein the distal ends converge at the
tip 414 of the cap 410.
[0134] The cutting members 412 may preferably employ electrical
energy in an electrosurgical cutting action to assist with tissue
resection as is known in the art. If electrical energy is used in
the cutting, conductors may preferably be provided to deliver the
required electrical energy to the cutting members. The electrical
conductors may preferably extend along the elongated body from a
proximal end (not shown) to the distal end 403. It may be preferred
that the cutting members 412 located on opposite sides of the cap
410 be electrically isolated from each other such that the cutting
action of each cutting member 412 (if electrosurgically enhanced)
can be independently controlled.
[0135] FIGS. 31-33 depict the device 400 in use resecting tissue
raised within a bleb. The general scoop shape of the cap 410 may
preferably assist in retaining the tissue in contact with the
cutting members 412 attached to the cap 410 in a manner similar to
a shovel. It may be preferred that the cap 410 include a relatively
sharp tip 414 to assist in initial penetration and piercing of the
tissue of the bleb.
[0136] A discussed herein, it may be beneficial to provide a
resection bather within the submucosal space of a bleb. Resection
barriers may be used in connection with conventional resection
devices and/or at least some of the resection devices of the
present invention.
[0137] In one exemplary embodiment, the resection barrier may be
formed by injecting heated paraffin into the submucosal space of a
bleb and allowing the paraffin to cool to a point at which it
solidifies. FIG. 34 depicts one potential apparatus for delivering
the heated paraffin to the submucosal space and FIG. 35 is a
perspective view of one stick 520 of paraffin that may be used with
the device of FIG. 34.
[0138] The paraffin used in connection with the present invention
may preferably be sterile medical grade paraffin. Medical grade
paraffin has a melting point at 65 degrees Celsius and
cools/solidifies rapidly when placed in contact with tissue. In
addition, it may be desirable to incorporate one or more agents
into the paraffin to, e.g., decrease the melting point (such as an
emulsifier), increase visibility (e.g., a colorant), etc.
[0139] The device 500 is in the general form of a conventional hot
glue gun and may preferably include a heating chamber 502 and a
plunger 504 adapted to force paraffin out of the heating chamber
502 through an orifice 506. The heated paraffin then preferably
passes through a channel 507 to a port 508.
[0140] A delivery device 510 (preferably in the form of, e.g., a
needle) is preferably attached to the port 508. The delivery device
510 preferably includes a lumen through which the heated paraffin
travels to a distal end 512. It may be preferred that the distal
end 512 of the delivery device be adapted to pierce tissue such as,
e.g., the tissue of a bleb.
[0141] It may be preferred that the delivery device 510 include
means for providing heat to the lumen such that the temperature of
the heated paraffin passing through the lumen is maintained at a
level that prevents solidification of the paraffin within the lumen
(thus preventing delivery of the heated paraffin to the submucosal
space). In some instances, the means for heating may be provided by
electrical resistance heaters, fluid chambers adapted to receive
heated fluid pumped to the delivery device, RF or microwave heat
elements adapted to convert RF or microwave energy to thermal
energy, etc. As an alternative to heating the lumen, the delivery
device may preferably include sufficient insulation around the
lumen such that the heated paraffin does not solidify during normal
use of the device.
[0142] FIGS. 36-40 depict another apparatus that may be used to
remove tissue. The tissue to be removed may or may not be raised
using a submucosal cushion formed using gas, liquid, or solid
material as described herein.
The apparatus 600 includes a tubular body 610 that includes a
distal end 612 and a proximal end (not shown). In use, the distal
end 612 is preferably advanced to the tissue to be resected while
the proximal end preferably remains outside the body of the patient
where it can be manipulated. The tubular body 610 may preferably
be, e.g., an endoscope. The tubular body 610 preferably includes a
channel in which a spreader sheath 620 is located. The spreader
sheath 620 preferably includes a lumen in which a resection device
630 is located. The lumen extends along the length (longitudinal
axis) of the sheath 620 and includes an opening at the distal end
of the spreader sheath 620. The resection device 630 is axially
movable distally and proximally within the lumen in the spreader
sheath 620, such that the resection device 620 can be advanced
distally out of the opening of the lumen of the spreader sheath
620.
[0143] A perspective view of the spreader sheath 620 in its
deployed configuration with a resection device in the form of a
snare 640 advanced through its own sheath 630 is depicted in FIG.
36. FIGS. 37-40 depict the apparatus 600 in successive stages of
deployment. Turning to FIG. 36, the spreader sheath 620 includes a
distal end (shown) and a proximal end (not shown). The distal end
of the spreader sheath 620 preferably includes spreader anus 622
and 624 movable between a closed position in which the spreader
arms are aligned with the longitudinal axis 602 (see FIG. 37) and
an open position (as depicted in, e.g., FIG. 40) in which the
spreader arms 622 and 624 each form an angle .beta. (beta) with the
longitudinal axis 602. It may be preferred that the angle formed by
each spreader arm 622 and 624 with the longitudinal axis 602 be at
least 15 degrees, in some instances at least 30 degrees, and in
other instances at least 45 degrees.
[0144] The spreader arms 622 and 624 may be located in the closed
position while within the channel of the tubular member 610 as
depicted in, e.g., FIG. 37. It may be preferred that axial movement
of the spreader sheath 620 along the longitudinal axis 602 in the
distal direction out of the tubular member 610 allows the spreader
arms 622 and 624 to assume the open configuration as depicted in
the series of FIGS. 37-40. In the open configuration, it may be
preferred, for example, that the spreader arms 622 & 624 have a
length of about 1.5 centimeters while the spreader sheath 620
proximal of the spreader arms 622 and 624 have a size of 10 French.
The spreader arms 622 & 624 may preferably open to an included
angle of 90 degrees or more (with each spreader arm moving to a
position of 45 degrees off of the longitudinal axis defined for the
device).
[0145] It may be preferred that the spreader arms 622 and 624 are
biased in the open configuration when not constrained within the
channel of the tubular member 610. The biasing may be performed by
a biasing means such as, e.g., elastic members, shape memory
materials (e.g., nickel titanium alloys, polymers, etc.),
mechanical springs (e.g., leaf, coil, etc.), pistons, etc. It may
be preferred that the spreader arms 622 and 624 move back into the
closed position when the sheath 620 is withdrawn axially back
within the tubular member 610 (in the proximal direction).
[0146] Although both spreader arms 622 and 624 are depicted as
moving equally from the closed to the open position in FIGS. 36-40,
it should be understood that the spreader arms 622 and 624 may not
move equally in all embodiments. In some embodiments, for example,
only one spreader arm may move from the closed to open position,
with the other arm remaining stationary.
[0147] Also depicted in connection with the embodiment of FIGS.
36-40 is a resection device in the form of a snare 640 that is
delivered through its own sheath 630. The snare 640 is, in the
depicted embodiment, preferably advanced distally through a lumen
in the spreader sheath 620 while in its own sheath 630. In use, the
snare sheath 630 may be advanced out of the spreader sheath 620 as
seen in, e.g., FIG. 39, followed by advancement of the snare 640 in
the distal direction out of the snare sheath 630 as seen in, e.g.,
FIGS. 36 & 40. The snare 640 may preferably include two arms
642 and 644 that are connected at the distal end 646 of the snare
640. If desired, the snare 640 may perform tissue resection with
the aid of electrosurgical energy.
[0148] One potential use for the apparatus of FIGS. 36-40 is in a
polypectomy in which the polyp is located, e.g., just above or
beyond a haustral fold in the colon. One such situation is depicted
in FIG. 41. Although some techniques using existing resection
devices have been used to resect such tissue, some polyps
nevertheless remain difficult to remove. When using the apparatus
of FIGS. 36-40, however, the spreader arms 622 & 624 may be
used to push a haustral fold down and keep it in that position,
clearing the view to the polyp and allowing the snare 640 to more
easily encircle the polyp. The apparatus of FIGS. 36-40 could also
be used to hold haustral folds down to explore their backsides to
determine whether additional polyps might be located there.
[0149] FIGS. 42-46 depict another resection device that may be used
to remove tissue. The tissue to be removed may or may not be raised
using a submucosal cushion formed using gas, liquid, or solid
material as described herein.
[0150] As depicted in FIG. 42, the resection device 700 may include
a sheath 710 having both a distal end 712 and a proximal end 714.
The sheath 710 preferably includes a lumen that opens at the distal
end 712.
[0151] The device 700 also preferably includes a snare 720 located
within the lumen of the sheath 710. The snare 720 is preferably
axially movable distally and proximally within the lumen of the
sheath 710, such that the snare 720 can be advanced distally out of
the opening of the lumen at the distal end 712 of the sheath
710.
[0152] The sheath 710 preferably includes an angled tip proximate
the distal end 712 of the sheath 710. The angled tip includes a
section 716 of the sheath 710 that is oriented off-axis from a
longitudinal axis 702 defined by the sheath 710 from the proximal
end 714 up to the section that includes the angled tip. The section
716 of the sheath 710 that includes the angled tip may preferably
include 10% or less of the total length of the sheath 710 from the
proximal end 714 to the distal end 712.
[0153] As a result of the angled tip, it may be preferred that the
snare 720, when advanced distally out of the distal end 712 of the
sheath 710, exit the sheath 710 at an angle .theta. (theta) that
may preferably be 20 degrees or more off of the longitudinal axis
702 (as depicted in FIG. 43). Although the section 716 of the
sheath forming the angled tip is depicted as being generally
straight along its length, it should be understood that it could be
curved or constructed of multiple sections that are straight and/or
curved. Regardless, it is preferred that the snare 720 exit the
sheath 710 at an angle off of the longitudinal axis 702 as
discussed herein.
[0154] Potential advantages of the angled tip may include, e.g.,
enhanced stiffness in the snare 720 as it exits the sheath 710 as
compared to a conventional sheath in which the snare exits the
sheath along the longitudinal axis of both components (i.e., the
sheath and the snare). This additional stiffness in the snare may
improve the ability of the snare to encircle polyps or other
tissues as depicted in the series of FIGS. 44-46.
[0155] Another embodiment of a resection device that may be used to
remove tissue is depicted in FIG. 47. The tissue to be removed may
be raised from the surrounding tissue (as in the case, e.g., of a
polyp). In some instances, the tissue may or may not be raised
using a submucosal cushion formed using gas, liquid, or solid
material as described herein.
[0156] The resection device 800 may include a sheath 810 having
both a distal end 812 and a proximal end 814. The sheath 810
preferably includes a lumen 816 that opens through the side of the
sheath 810 at a location proximal from the distal end 812 of the
sheath 810. The sheath 810 itself, however, preferably extends
along the longitudinal axis 802 defined between its distal and
proximal ends 812 and 814. In contrast, a distal section of the
lumen 816 proximate the distal side opening is oriented off-axis
from the longitudinal axis defined between the proximal and distal
ends 812 and 814 of the sheath 810. It may be preferred that the
side opening in the lumen be located within the distal-most 10% or
less of the total length of the sheath 810 (as measured between its
proximal and distal ends 812 & 814).
[0157] The device 800 also preferably includes a snare 820 located
within the lumen 816 of the sheath 810. The snare 820 is preferably
axially movable distally and proximally within the lumen 816 such
that the snare 820 can be advanced distally out of the opening of
the lumen 816 through the opening in the side of the sheath
810.
[0158] Because the snare 820 exits the sheath 810 through its side,
the snare 820 preferably forms an angle .lamda. (lambda) with the
longitudinal axis 802 that may preferably be 20 degrees or more off
of the longitudinal axis 802. Potential advantages of the angled
snare 820 may include, e.g., enhanced stiffness in the snare 820 as
it exits the sheath 810 as compared to a conventional sheath in
which the snare exits the sheath along the longitudinal axis of
both components (i.e., the sheath and the snare). This additional
stiffness in the snare 820 may improve the ability of the snare to
encircle polyps or other tissues.
[0159] Still another embodiment of a resection device is depicted
in FIGS. 48A-48C, 49A-49C, and 50A-50C. Turning to FIGS. 48A-48C,
the resection device 900 is in the form of a sheath 910 that
includes a lumen in which a snare 920 is located. The sheath 910
includes both a distal end 912 and a proximal end 914. The lumen in
the sheath 910 preferably opens at the distal end 912 of the
sheath.
[0160] The snare 920 is preferably axially movable distally and
proximally within the lumen of the sheath 910, such that the snare
920 can be advanced distally out of the opening of the lumen at the
distal end 912 of the sheath 910. It may be preferred that the
snare 920 be movable from orientations in which the snare 920 lies
substantially within a plane 904 in which the longitudinal axis
defined by the distal end 912 and proximal end 914 of the sheath
910 lies as seen in FIG. 48A. Manipulation of the snare as
described herein can, however, cause the snare 920 to curve above
or below the plane 904. For example, FIG. 48B depicts the snare 920
curving away from the plane 904 in one direction while FIG. 48C
depicts the snare 920 curving away from the plane 904 in the
opposite direction.
[0161] Movement of the snare 920 between the positions depicted in
FIGS. 48A-48C may be effected by manipulating the wires 922 and 924
of the snare within the lumen 916 of the sheath 910. FIGS. 49A-49C
depict the orientation of the wires 922 and 924 within the lumen
916 at a position between the distal end 912 and the proximal end
914 of the sheath 910. As seen in FIG. 49A, the wires 922 and 924
are in a neutral orientation within the lumen 916. In FIG. 49B, the
wire 922 is rotated clockwise about its axis while wire 924 is
rotated counterclockwise. The result is depicted in FIG. 48B in
which the snare 920 curves upward from the plane 904. In FIG. 49C
the wires 922 and 924 are rotated in the opposite direction, i.e.,
wire 922 is rotated counterclockwise from the neutral position of
FIG. 49A and wire 924 is rotated clockwise. The result is depicted
in FIG. 48C in which the snare 920 curves downward with respect to
the plane 904.
[0162] FIGS. 50A-50C depict one apparatus that may be used to
rotate the wires 922 and 924 as discussed herein to control the
orientation of the snare 920. The apparatus includes a plunger 930
that may preferably be located proximate the proximal end 914 of
the sheath 910. The depicted plunger 930 traverses the lumen 916 of
the sheath 910 and is located between the wires 922 and 924. The
plunger 930 may preferably include ribs 932 that cooperate with the
wires 922 and 924 such that movement of the plunger 930 transverse
to the longitudinal axis 902 (out of the page in FIGS. 50A-50C)
rotates the wires 922 and 924 about their respective longitudinal
axes.
[0163] Although FIGS. 50A-50C depict one mechanism for rotating the
wires 922 and 924, many other mechanisms that accomplish the same
function may be used in place of that depicted in FIGS.
50A-50C.
[0164] FIGS. 51-54 depict another exemplary apparatus and method of
the present invention in which a barrier sheet is deployed within
the submucosal space of a bleb. FIG. 51 in particular depicts (in
partial cross-sectional view) a barrier sheet 1070 located within
the submucosal space 1002 that may preferably be located beneath,
e.g., a polyp 1004 or other tissue to be resected. The barrier
sheet 1070 may preferably include a central area 1072 and a raised
lip 1071 that may preferably extend about a periphery of the
central area 1072. The lip 1071 may be integrally formed with the
material of the central area 1072 or it may be attached thereto.
Furthermore, the lip 1071 may extend continuously about the
perimeter of the central area 1072 or it may be discontinuous.
[0165] The barrier sheet 1070 is provided to act as a barrier to
protect the underlying submucosal tissue during resection
procedures. It may be preferred that conventional cutting
instruments such as blades, etc. that may be used to remove tissue
cannot readily perforate or cut the barrier sheet 1070. As a
result, the barrier sheet 1070 may preferably significantly reduce
the risk of perforating an underlying tissue wall. Other potential
functions of the barrier sheet 1070 may include, e.g., reducing
diffusion of any gas, liquid, foam, etc. introduced into the tissue
underlying the barrier sheet, providing a tactile response to the
practitioner during resection (thus providing, e.g., an indication
of the location of the bottom of the submucosal space or the edges
of the space--using, e.g., the optional lip 1071), etc.
[0166] In some instances, it may be preferred that the barrier
sheets of the present invention be manufactured of one or more
materials that exhibit shape memory properties. For example, it may
be preferred that the lip 1071 of the barrier sheet 1070 be
manufactured of shape memory materials while the central area 1072
may be manufactured of materials that may or may not exhibit shape
memory properties. Alternatively, the central area 1072 may be
manufactured of shape memory materials while the lip 1071 is
manufactured of materials that may or not exhibit shape memory
properties. Barrier sheets manufactured of two or more different
materials may be manufactured by a variety of techniques, e.g.,
coextrusion, coinjection molding, insert molding, etc.
[0167] Delivery of the barrier sheet 1070 into the submucosal space
1002 may be accomplished by any suitable technique. One exemplary
apparatus and technique may be described in connection with FIGS.
52-54. Generally, it may be preferred to deliver the barrier sheet
1070 using a catheter-like device in which the barrier sheet 1070
is coiled. Delivery may, therefore be accomplished by pushing or
ejecting the bather sheet 1070 and allowing it to uncoil within the
submucosal space 1002.
[0168] The coiled barrier sheet 1070 may preferably be located
proximate a distal end 1012 of a delivery sheath 1010 as depicted
in, e.g., FIG. 52. As a result, the barrier sheet 1070 is
preferably located within a lumen 1020 of the delivery sheath 1010
when inserting the barrier sheet 1070 into the submucosal space
1002. During deployment of the barrier sheet 1070, it may be moved
out of the lumen 1020 of the sheath 1010 through an opening at the
distal end of the delivery sheath 1010. Because the barrier sheet
1070 is restrained in its coiled configuration while in the lumen
1020, ejecting the barrier sheet 1070 from the lumen 1020 results
in uncoiling the barrier sheet 1070 within the submucosal space
1002.
[0169] Although many different techniques may be used to move the
barrier sheet 1070 out of the lumen 1020, one exemplary method
depicted in FIG. 52 includes an ejection device 1080 that may
preferably advance toward the distal end 1012, forcing the barrier
sheet 1070 out of the lumen 1020 using surface 1082 as it advances
distally (i.e., in the distal direction of the sheath 1010). The
ejection device 1080 may preferably be operably connected to an
actuator 1084 that may preferably be located proximate the proximal
end 1014 of the delivery sheath 1010.
[0170] Another optional feature depicted in FIG. 52 is that the
distal end 1012 of the sheath 1010 may preferably be adapted to
pierce or perforate tissue, such as the tissue of a bleb, such that
the opening of the lumen 1020 is located within the submucosal
space where the barrier sheet 1070 can be deployed. Alternatively,
the sheath 1010 may be inserted into the submucosal space through a
variety of other techniques and/or apparatus.
[0171] It should be understood that the depicted sheath, ejection
device, actuator, etc. depicted in FIG. 52 are exemplary in nature
only and that any suitable apparatus or mechanism that can deliver
and deploy the barrier sheets of the present invention may be
used.
[0172] Another variation in connection with the barrier sheets of
the present invention may be depicted in FIGS. 53 & 54. In
particular, FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of barrier sheet 1070
and sheath 1010 taken along line 53-53 in FIG. 52. The barrier
sheet 1070 includes only one coil when located within lumen 1020.
Alternatively, the barrier sheets of the present invention may be
stored within the lumen of delivery sheath in a variety of other
configurations. One such alternative is depicted in the
cross-sectional vie of FIG. 54 in which barrier sheet 1170 includes
two coils 1174 & 1176 when located within lumen 1120 of sheath
1110. The coils 1174 & 1176 may preferably be rolled inwardly
towards each other in opposing directions as depicted. A potential
advantage of a two-coil configuration is that uncoiling of the
barrier sheet 1170 within a submucosal space may be facilitated
with two smaller coils such as are depicted in FIG. 54.
[0173] The barrier sheets of the present invention may be
manufactured of a variety of different materials, although the
materials may preferably possess the functional characteristics
discussed herein (such as, e.g., flexibility and memory sufficient
to allow for coiling and uncoiling). In some embodiments, the
barrier sheets may preferably be constructed of biosorbable
materials. Some exemplary materials may include, e.g., films, woven
fabrics, non-woven fabrics, laminates of films and/or fabrics, etc.
The materials may include, e.g., GORE-TEX fabrics, polypropylene,
polyurethane, etc. It may be preferred that the materials used to
construct the barrier sheets resist electro-cautery currents (e.g.,
possess low electrical conductivity). Examples of some suitable
materials may be described in, e.g., U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. US 2002/0161114 A1 (Gunatillake et al.); U.S. Pat.
No. 6,080,474 (Oakley et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,524 (Wu et al.),
and U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,930 (Samples).
[0174] The thickness of the materials used for barrier sheets of
the present invention may preferably be, e.g., 1 millimeter or less
(although in some instances, the thickness may be greater, e.g.,
for use in laparoscopic procedures). The overall size of the
barrier sheets may also be dependent on the needs of a selected
procedure, e.g., in some instances, the barrier sheets may be 10
centimeters or more across and in other procedures, the barrier
sheets may be 1 centimeter or less across.
[0175] Still another apparatus that may be used to assist in tissue
resection is depicted in FIGS. 55 & 56. The depicted apparatus
may be used to prop open a variety of internal body locations, such
as, e.g., body lumens (colon, gastro-intestinal, blood vessels,
urinary tract, etc.). In connection with blebs, the apparatus of
FIGS. 55 & 56 may be used to maintain the submucosal space in
the absence of, e.g., the gas, liquid, or other material used to
create the submucosal space.
[0176] The depicted device includes a delivery sheath 1210 and a
cage 1230. The delivery sheath 1210 includes a lumen with an
opening at a distal end of the delivery sheath 1210. The delivery
sheath 1210 defines a longitudinal axis extending between its
distal end and a proximal end. The cage 1230 is operatively
connected to an actuator that extends through the lumen to the
proximal end of the delivery sheath 1210. The actuator is
preferably movable to advance the cage 1230 out of the lumen and
retract the cage 1230 within the lumen. The cage 1230 can be
advanced out of the lumen 1220 of the sheath 1210 such that the
cage 1230 expands to, e.g., support tissue.
[0177] The cage 1230 includes struts 1232 that extend between a
distal retainer 1234 and a proximal retainer 1236. The proximal
retainer 1236 may preferably be operated from a proximal end of the
apparatus such that the sheath 1210 and the cage 1230 can be moved
relative to each other in the proximal and distal directions.
Movement such that the cage 1230 extends out of the lumen 1220 of
the sheath 1210 may be accomplished using an actuator 1228 (the
distal end of which is depicted in FIG. 55).
[0178] The struts 1232 of the cage 1230 may preferably be in a
restrained configuration when located within the lumen 1220 and an
expanded configuration when advanced distally out of the lumen
1220. In the expanded configuration as depicted in FIG. 55, the
struts 1232 preferably move radially outward from the longitudinal
axis 1202 that extends along the length of the sheath 1210. The
struts 1232, when deployed outside of the lumen 1220 may not fully
expand if they are in an internal body location that constrains
their expansion. The force applied by the struts 1232 on the
surrounding tissue may, however, preferably force the tissue
outward from the longitudinal axis 1202.
[0179] Although the struts 1232 are depicted as expanding generally
equally in all directions, it will be understood that they may
preferentially expand on only one or more directions. In addition,
although the struts 1232 are depicted as taking a generally
bell-shape when expanded, it will be understood that they may take
a variety of different shapes.
[0180] The expansion force used to expand the cage 1230 may
preferably be supplied by the struts 1232 themselves which may
preferably be constructed of materials that can be restrained
within the lumen 1220 of sheath 1210 for delivery, but can then
expand when released from the constraints of the lumen 1220. It may
further be preferred that the struts 1232 possess physical
characteristics such as elasticity and resiliency that allow the
cage 1230 to be retracted back into lumen 1220 after advancement
out of the lumen 1220. Retraction and advancement may preferably be
used to control the size of the cage 1230 within, e.g., the
submucosal space of a bleb or any other selected location (e.g.,
internal body lumens in the colon, gastro-intestinal system, blood
vessels, urinary tract, etc.).
[0181] Examples of suitable materials for the struts 1232 of the
cage 1230 may include, e.g., metals, polymers, shape memory metals,
shape memory polymers, etc. The distal and proximal retainers 1234
and 1236 may be made of the same or different materials.
[0182] Another optional feature of the apparatus depicted in FIGS.
55 & 56 is that the cage 1230 may be designed to allow the
passage of an apparatus 1240 into the volume of the expanded cage
1230. The apparatus 1240 may be, e.g. an imaging device (e.g.,
colonoscope, etc.), resection device (for resecting tissue
surrounding or extending into the cage 1230), etc. The apparatus
1240 may preferably be movable longitudinally within the delivery
sheath 1210, wherein the device 1240 can be advanced into the cage
1230 when the cage 1230 is in the expanded configuration. It may
also be preferred that the apparatus 1240 be capable of retraction
in the proximal direction such that the apparatus 1240 can be
withdrawn back into the delivery sheath 1210.
[0183] Although only one lumen is depicted in delivery sheath 1210,
it should be understood that multiple lumens could be provided to
allow for independent advancement and retraction of the cage 1230
and apparatus 1240. Further, although only one apparatus 1240 is
depicted, it should be understood that more than one apparatus
could be advanced into the cage 1230 at one time.
[0184] Still another variation of the apparatus is depicted in FIG.
57 in which a cage 1330 is provided without a distal retainer such
that as the sheath 1310 is withdrawn, the struts 1332 of the cage
1330 expand in the absence of distal retainer. Although a distal
retainer such as that seen in FIG. 55 is not included, the distal
ends of the struts 1332 may still be connected to each other if so
desired. Advancement of the sheath 1310 in the distal direction may
preferably cause the cage 1320 to collapse such that the struts
1332 are again contained within the sheath 1310 (as described above
in connection with, e.g., the embodiment of FIGS. 55 & 56).
[0185] Although not depicted, the apparatus of the present
invention may use a variety of different actuating mechanisms to
move the needles, resection frames, staples, jaws, cutting members,
snares, etc. The actuators may be in the form of electromagnetic
actuators, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, screw drives,
push/pull rods extending the length of the elongated body for
manual operation by a user, etc. Typically, the specific actuating
mechanism(s) selected will be known to those of skill in the art of
medical devices. In addition, the resection devices of the
invention may preferably be mounted on elongated bodies for
delivery to internal body locations, potentially through or on an
endoscope. The materials used to construct the various resection
devices may preferably be those materials suitable for use in
medical devices, e.g., metals, polymers, composite materials,
etc.
[0186] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular
forms "a," "and," and "the" include plural referents unless
explicitly limited to the singular form or the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0187] All references and publications cited herein are expressly
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety into this
disclosure. Illustrative embodiments of this invention are
discussed and reference has been made to possible variations within
the scope of this invention. These and other variations and
modifications in the invention will be apparent to those skilled in
the art without departing from the scope of the invention, and it
should be understood that this invention is not limited to the
illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the
invention is to be limited only by the claims provided below and
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *